From a women's portrait photographer based in Aotearoa | New Zealand
I hear a version of this in almost every enquiry I receive.
"I'm not very photogenic." "I always look awful in photos." "I've never done this sort of thing before, I'm not the kind of person who has professional photos taken."
And then, bit by bit throughout the session, something shifts. A woman who arrived at the session with a little nervous laugh and an excited, but slightly anxious expression, leaves with images that are playful, fun and beautifully her.
Why you think you're "not photogenic"
When we have formed negative opinions about how we look in photos, it's from a very specific kind of photo: unplanned, unflattering, taken by someone pointing a phone at us mid-conversation at a family event. That is a snapshot, not a portrait.
A portrait is intentional; the lighting, angle, timing is all tailored to you. And when you step in front of the camera for me this isn't a performance, rather a settling into the present moment. The combination of this curated space and mindful presence leads to me quietly watching for the moments that reveal something true about you, then creating images that reflect this.
What actually makes a portrait beautiful?
It's not symmetrical features or a particular body type. It's not even good skin (though good light helps everyone, regardless).
It's presence. It's the quality of being genuinely in a moment; curious, thoughtful, quietly confident. The most beautiful portraits I've taken have been of women who stopped trying to look "good" and just started being themselves. That's what I'm after, what I'm working toward the whole session.
What to expect from a women's portrait session with me
We'll start slowly. I'll never just pull out the camera and point it at you from the start. We'll walk, we'll chat, I'll show you around the location.
I'm here to guide you, with some directed posing, but mostly with small, natural movements. "Turn just slightly toward me." "Look over your shoulder." "Breathe." Things that feel almost too simple to matter, but that make an enormous difference to how you read in the frame.
Why women book portrait sessions
There are as many reasons as there are women. A milestone birthday. Returning to yourself after a hard few years. Celebrating yourself and all you've achieved at a point in your life you want to remember. Or simply wanting, for once, a beautiful photo of yourself that isn't a cropped group shot from someone else's wedding. Every reason is valid, you don't need a special occasion or a justification.
What I want you to know
A professional portrait session isn't about transformation, it's about documentation. It's about capturing you, as you are right now, with the care and attention that you deserve. I'd love the chance to show you what I see.
Curious about booking a women's portrait session in the Waikato or Bay of Plenty?
Let's chat! no obligation, I'd love to know a little of your story.
